President Barack Obama offered an implicit rebuke of Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent comments on American exceptionalism as he addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.

Obama rebukes Putin: 'America is exceptional'

By Jennifer Epstein

09/24/13 11:02 AM EDT

President Obama offered an implicit rebuke of Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent comments on American exceptionalism as he addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.

"Some may disagree, but I believe America is exceptional," Obama said.

He believes in American exceptionalism "in part because we have shown a willingness through the sacrifice of blood and treasure to stand up not only for our own narrow self-interest but for the interests of all," he said.